Q: What is the difference between N5 and N4?

N4 requires roughly 300 kanji (vs 100 for N5) and 1,500 vocabulary words (vs 800 for N5). Grammar becomes significantly more complex with intermediate structures like causative forms (させる), passive forms (られる), conditional forms (ば、たら、なら), volitional forms (よう), and compound sentences using て-form connections. Reading passages are longer and include more kanji. Listening sections feature faster, more natural speech. N4 takes you from "tourist Japanese" to "basic daily conversation" level.

Q: Can I skip N5 and go straight to N4?

While possible, it's not recommended unless you have prior Japanese study. N5 establishes crucial foundations in basic grammar (particles, verb conjugations, sentence structure) and fundamental kanji. Most N4 textbooks and practice materials assume solid N5 knowledge. If you have studied Japanese for 6+ months elsewhere, took high school/college Japanese, or lived in Japan, you might skip N5. Otherwise, take a placement test or complete a beginner textbook before attempting N4. Rushing to N4 without proper foundation often results in failure and frustration.

Q: How long does it take to prepare for N4 after passing N5?

After passing N5, expect 4-6 months of consistent study (10-15 hours per week) to reach N4 readiness. Genki II typically takes 4-5 months to complete thoroughly. If you're starting from scratch (no N5), expect 8-12 months total to reach N4 level. Factors affecting timeline include: study consistency, prior language learning experience, immersion opportunities (watching Japanese media, speaking practice), and whether you're self-studying or taking classes.

Q: Do I need separate kanji study materials for N4?

While Genki II introduces kanji gradually, adding a dedicated kanji resource is highly beneficial. N4 requires 300 kanji, and textbooks alone may not provide enough repetition for retention. Recommended supplements: Kanji Look and Learn N5-N4 (visual mnemonics), JLPT N4 Kanji workbooks , or apps like WaniKani (covers all N4 kanji) or Anki decks . Dedicate 15-20 minutes daily to kanji review separate from grammar study for best results.

Q: What can I do with N4 level Japanese in real life?

At N4, you can: handle basic daily conversations (shopping, ordering food, asking directions), understand simple Japanese texts (emails, basic manga with furigana, simple news), communicate basic needs while traveling in Japan, follow slower-paced anime or dramas with some assistance, and engage in simple written exchanges (text messages, social media comments). N4 is the minimum level for basic independent travel in Japan, though you'll still struggle with complex situations. It's considered "upper beginner" or "early intermediate."

Q: Should I take N4 or skip directly to N3?

Take N4 if you: want incremental certification for your resume, need confidence building before tackling N3, are applying for programs requiring N4, or have been studying for less than a year. Skip to N3 if you: have completed Genki II and additional intermediate materials, have been studying 1.5+ years consistently, feel confident with 300+ kanji, or want to save exam fees. Many serious learners skip N4 and jump from N5 to N3 after completing Tobira or equivalent intermediate textbooks. N3 is more widely recognized by employers and educational institutions.

Question 1

Should I complete both Genki I and Genki II for N4?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both Genki volumes are recommended for solid N4 preparation. Genki I covers N5 content (basic grammar, particles, verb basics), while Genki II brings you to solid N4 level and beyond (reaching early N3). Together, they provide comprehensive coverage of elementary Japanese grammar and vocabulary across 23 lessons. Most successful N4 candidates complete both books, then supplement with JLPT-specific practice tests. If you only study Genki II without Genki I foundation, you'll struggle with the assumed knowledge.

Question 2

What is the difference between N5 and N4?

Accepted Answer

N4 requires roughly 300 kanji (vs 100 for N5) and 1,500 vocabulary words (vs 800 for N5). Grammar becomes significantly more complex with intermediate structures like causative forms (させる), passive forms (られる), conditional forms (ば、たら、なら), volitional forms (よう), and compound sentences using て-form connections. Reading passages are longer and include more kanji. Listening sections feature faster, more natural speech. N4 takes you from "tourist Japanese" to "basic daily conversation" level.

Question 3

Can I skip N5 and go straight to N4?

Accepted Answer

While possible, it's not recommended unless you have prior Japanese study. N5 establishes crucial foundations in basic grammar (particles, verb conjugations, sentence structure) and fundamental kanji. Most N4 textbooks and practice materials assume solid N5 knowledge. If you have studied Japanese for 6+ months elsewhere, took high school/college Japanese, or lived in Japan, you might skip N5. Otherwise, take a placement test or complete a beginner textbook before attempting N4. Rushing to N4 without proper foundation often results in failure and frustration.

Question 4

How long does it take to prepare for N4 after passing N5?

Accepted Answer

After passing N5, expect 4-6 months of consistent study (10-15 hours per week) to reach N4 readiness. Genki II typically takes 4-5 months to complete thoroughly. If you're starting from scratch (no N5), expect 8-12 months total to reach N4 level. Factors affecting timeline include: study consistency, prior language learning experience, immersion opportunities (watching Japanese media, speaking practice), and whether you're self-studying or taking classes.

Question 5

Do I need separate kanji study materials for N4?

Accepted Answer

While Genki II introduces kanji gradually, adding a dedicated kanji resource is highly beneficial. N4 requires 300 kanji, and textbooks alone may not provide enough repetition for retention. Recommended supplements: Kanji Look and Learn N5-N4 (visual mnemonics), JLPT N4 Kanji workbooks, or apps like WaniKani (covers all N4 kanji) or Anki decks. Dedicate 15-20 minutes daily to kanji review separate from grammar study for best results.

Question 6

What can I do with N4 level Japanese in real life?

Accepted Answer

At N4, you can: handle basic daily conversations (shopping, ordering food, asking directions), understand simple Japanese texts (emails, basic manga with furigana, simple news), communicate basic needs while traveling in Japan, follow slower-paced anime or dramas with some assistance, and engage in simple written exchanges (text messages, social media comments). N4 is the minimum level for basic independent travel in Japan, though you'll still struggle with complex situations. It's considered "upper beginner" or "early intermediate."

Question 7

Should I take N4 or skip directly to N3?

Accepted Answer

Take N4 if you: want incremental certification for your resume, need confidence building before tackling N3, are applying for programs requiring N4, or have been studying for less than a year. Skip to N3 if you: have completed Genki II and additional intermediate materials, have been studying 1.5+ years consistently, feel confident with 300+ kanji, or want to save exam fees. Many serious learners skip N4 and jump from N5 to N3 after completing Tobira or equivalent intermediate textbooks. N3 is more widely recognized by employers and educational institutions.

JLPT N4
학습 자료

What are the best JLPT N4 books in 2025?

에디터 추천

신완전마스터 문법 일본어능력시험 N4

교재(8 교재)

N4 종합 학습서 II

TRY! 일본어능력시험 N4 문법으로 늘리는 일본어 개정판

신완전마스터 한자 일본어능력시험 N4

신완전마스터 어휘 일본어능력시험 N4

일본어능력시험 N4 청해 필승 문제집

N4 실전 모의고사 5회분

일본어능력시험 N4 독해 일본어의 숲

N4을 위한 교재 시리즈 비교

Genki

강점

한계

추천 대상:

TRY!

강점

한계

추천 대상:

Nihongo So-Matome

강점

한계

추천 대상:

JLPT 교재에 대한 자주 묻는 질문

JLPT N4 - Upper Beginner Level

모든 JLPT 레벨 둘러보기:

JLPT N4학습 자료

What are the best JLPT N4 books in 2025?

에디터 추천

신완전마스터 문법 일본어능력시험 N4

교재(8 교재)

N4 종합 학습서 II

TRY! 일본어능력시험 N4 문법으로 늘리는 일본어 개정판

신완전마스터 한자 일본어능력시험 N4

신완전마스터 어휘 일본어능력시험 N4

일본어능력시험 N4 청해 필승 문제집

N4 실전 모의고사 5회분

일본어능력시험 N4 독해 일본어의 숲

N4을 위한 교재 시리즈 비교

Genki

강점

한계

추천 대상:

TRY!

강점

한계

추천 대상:

Nihongo So-Matome

강점

한계

추천 대상:

JLPT 교재에 대한 자주 묻는 질문

JLPT 레벨 진행

JLPT N4 - Upper Beginner Level

모든 JLPT 레벨 둘러보기:

JLPT N4
학습 자료